Yahya Abdul-Mateen ll to Lead Netflix's Series "Man on Fire"

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been cast as the lead for Netflix’s upcoming thriller series “Man on Fire”. He will also executive produce the show alongside Steven Caple Jr., who has been set as director of the first two episodes.

“Man on Fire” is based on A.J. Quinnell’s first two novels about former French Foreign Legion soldier John Creasy, titled “Man on Fire” (1981) and “The Perfect Kill” (1992). 

This is not the first adaptation of the Quinnell novels. Creasy was played by Denzel Washington in a 2004 “Man on Fire” film and by Scott Glenn in 1987.

The logline reads, “Once a high functioning and skilled Special Forces Mercenary, known for surviving even the most desolate of situations, Creasy (Mateen) is now plagued with intense PTSD. Determined to overcome his personal demons, he sets out on a path to redemption. But, before he can adjust to this new life, he finds himself back in the fire, fighting harder than ever.”

Abdul-Mateen is best known for playing Doctor Manhattan in HBO’s 2019 limited series “The Watchmen” at HBO and Black Manta in “Aquaman” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” (2023). 

His other credits include “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” “The Get Down” and “Black Mirror,” all on Netflix, and the movies “Candyman” (2021), “The Matrix Resurrections” (2021), and “Ambulance” (2022.) Up next, he’ll join the Marvel Cinematic Universe playing the title character in “Wonder Man” on Disney+.

Kyle Killen serves as showrunner of “Man on Fire.” Executive producers include Killen and Scott Pennington for Chapter Eleven; Abdul-Mateen; Caple; Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan, and Natalie Lehmann for New Regency Productions; Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping and Tracey Cook for Chernin Entertainment; Ed McDonnell; Michael Polaire; and Stacy Perskie for RedRum.